2020 was a memorable year for all of us. For Jazz on Wheels those memories are almost all positive. WHAT A YEAR !!! After 18 years of operation we finally upgraded our truck stage. That's right, we retired our old truck sometimes known as "Old Faithful" , "The Beast" or any number of less flattering names when she wasn't running as desired. The upgrade was long overdue and proved to be a huge catalyst for our program. A record 45 shows were performed in our community.

Thanks in large part to support from Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the Greater Flint Arts Council we were able to acquire a 2011 International 4000 series moving truck which will guarantee our operation for years to come. The entire month of June 2020 was spent transitioning flawlessly from the old to the new while operating at peak performance level. We never skipped a beat . We knew we had to move forward when others were cautiously apprehensive to do so. During a time when there were very few opportunities to enjoy live music we provided an oasis in a vast and endless desert.

We started the season with our traditional celebration of International Jazz Day. The show was so well received we decided to create a regular Friday evening Jazz Series which eventually ended up in the parking lot of the Old Farmers Market in Flint and became the talk of the town. Hundreds of cars gathered every Friday to celebrate Flint unity, strength and diversity. Folks of every age, race and lifestyle came together in a socially responsible way to escape the deluge of bad news. Jazz on Wheels is extremely proud of memories we created for the community during a year many would prefer to forget.

During a time when so many events were cancelled, certain causes still needed to be addressed. Unity Marches, Anti-Violence Rallies, Flint Help Centers, food giveaways, Neighborhood Gardening Day and the Women's Suffragette Celebration are just some of the events JOW was asked to participate in and we gladly did. The "Icing on the Cake" for the season was our serendipitous collaboration with What's Up Downtown , a newly formed placemaking organization . The Flint based group partnered with us on a few events which led to them acquiring our old truck ! THE LEGACY LIVES ON !! JOW could not be happier to see it's original vehicle remain visible in the area. What's Up Downtown took the truck to a whole new level with a complete cosmetic overhaul thanks to local artists. Unfortunately , tragedy struck on Oct 8 2020. The artist spearheading the project, Ryon "Teck9" Gonzalez was taken from us, far too soon. He will be missed but his memory lives on as the truck is currently stationed at Flint City Hard Cider Co. as the cornerstone of their new "urban-garden" entertainment venue. Another partnership formed naturally and unintentionally, all part of the "Master Plan".

2021 will be even more impressive..........

Jazz on Wheels is moving FLINT FORWARD !

YOU can help. Contact us at 810-953-1300 for more info.